In 2016, a total of 3,451 cases were investigated under animal protection regulations, including 1,942 involving animal abuse charges.

Over 800 indictments on animal abuse charges were issued by prosecutor’s offices in 2017.

The number of cases handled by prosecutor’s offices and courts is likely to go up due to stricter laws against animal abuse, Rzeczpospolita said.

In January, the Polish parliament adopted new regulations increasing the maximum jail term for those abusing and killing animals from two to three years, and raising the maximum prison sentence for cruelty to five years. The legislation also introduced a life ban on keeping animals when offenders are convicted of cruelty. (aba/gs)